Posted on Monday, April 15th, 2024 at 9:00 am
How many drunk driving accidents per year occur on Georgia roads? While the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety doesn’t offer data for the rate of all drunk driving crashes, it does collect data on fatal wrecks reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In a recent year, of 1,797 fatal car accidents in Georgia, 391 involved alcohol-impaired drivers. This means nearly 22 percent of auto accident fatalities were linked to alcohol impairment.
These numbers offer some insight into how common alcohol-related car accidents in Georgia may be. Many of these accidents that don’t result in loss of life may nevertheless cause serious injury.
When Do Most Drunk Driving Wrecks Happen?
Most drunk driving crashes occur between midnight and three in the morning. These are the hours when motorists may be returning from bars and other locations where they may have consumed alcohol.
Alcohol-involved motor vehicle wrecks may also be more common during certain times of the year. Alcohol-impaired driving tends to be common on holidays. During holidays, regardless of the time of year, people tend to travel and celebrate. The combination of the two means more vehicles on the road, more impaired drivers, and a higher risk of accidents.
What Are the Common Injuries Caused by Drunk Drivers?
Drunk driving accidents can result in a range of injuries. Some injuries may be relatively minor, while others are catastrophic and lead to lifelong complications for the victim. Injuries resulting from accidents with alcohol-impaired drivers include:
- Head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Neck injuries, including whiplash
- Fractures
- Facial and dental trauma
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Cuts, abrasions, and bruises
- Psychological injuries, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD
Because drunk drivers are often unable to react in time to avoid a collision, many drunk driving accidents involve high speeds and considerable force. These factors can increase the severity of injuries.
The medical expenses arising from a Georgia drunk driving accident can be immense. Survivors may require emergency surgery, lengthy rehabilitation, physical therapy, prescription medications, medical supplies and equipment, and mental health treatment. Victims of particularly catastrophic collisions may require specialized care for the rest of their lives.
What Compensation Is Available After Drunk Driving Accidents?
You may face numerous challenges following a Georgia drunk driving accident. In addition to your physical injuries, you may be experiencing significant psychological and emotional pain as you think about and mentally relive the experience. You may have very high medical expenses. If you’re unable to work as a result of your injuries, the financial impact of a collision can be extremely stressful.
A Georgia drunk driving accident attorney can help you pursue compensation for the losses resulting from the accident, including:
- Past, ongoing, and anticipated future medical expenses
- Lost income, including loss of future earning capacity
- Physical and emotional pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Loss of quality of life
The amount of compensation you may be entitled to will depend on the severity of your injuries and their likely effect on your life.
How a Georgia Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Can Help
Seeking compensation and justice is the ultimate goal of any legal action you pursue following a drunk driving accident. An experienced car accident attorney will take a number of steps to achieve this goal, including:
- Gathering evidence to prove the other driver’s liability
- Estimating your claim’s potential value
- Submitting a claim with documentation of your losses
- Negotiating with the at-fault driver’s insurance company in pursuit of a fair settlement
- Filing a lawsuit and representing you in court if the insurer won’t settle
When you’re dealing with the physical, emotional, and financial aftermath of a drunk driving accident, you shouldn’t also have to worry about the legal process. Your attorney will provide the robust and aggressive representation you deserve and fight for your rights.
Contact a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer in Georgia Today
If you were injured due to the actions of a drunk driver, you need a strong legal advocate who knows the system and can fight for the full and fair compensation you deserve. When you trust Jonathan R. Brockman, P.C. with your car accident claim, you can rest easy knowing a skilled Georgia drunk driving accident lawyer is looking out for your best interest.
Get started with a free case review by calling us at (770) 205-8827 or contacting us online. We look forward to hearing your story, reviewing your legal options, and getting to work on your case. At Jonathan R. Brockman, P.C., our compassionate attorneys are dedicated to helping victims recover and rebuild their lives. We have the knowledge, resources, trial experience, and a proven track record to take your case. Ask us anything related to your case.